Friends rally to fulfill teen’s bucket list

Last Friday 17-year-old Justin Plunkett returned from his first bucket-list trip, the island of Maui.

On Christmas Eve 2010, the Spectrum student was diagnosed with a rare brain cancer.

He finished treatment, which included chemotherapy, in September 2011. The Saanich teen earned an all-clear from doctors.

On Oct. 30 he wasn’t feeling well and doctors did a scan that determined his cancer returned.

“He was essentially given three months to live,” said his aunt Andrea Rempel. “We all just rallied together, family and friends. It’s just really taken us all for a loop.”

The trip last week was one offered by Make a Wish – it was his “cancer survivor” wish to celebrate one year of remission. With the new diagnosis, the trip took a twist. It became part of his bucket list.

“He’s fulfilling a lot of little things right now,” Rempel said. “He’s 17, but no 17-year-old has a bucket list. Pretty much whatever comes across the plate we are trying to make happen.”

He spent time on an ATV, went parasailing, had a beachside massage and learned luau drumming.

Ways to donate include through PayPal using twinsjjando@hotmail.com, sending a cheque to Resurrection Life Ministries 2096 Larabie Court, Victoria B.C. V9B 6C1 (tax receipts issued) or at any CIBC Bank with account number 00930-85-75584.